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When does a female puppy typically experience her first heat cycle?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Pembroke Welsh Corgi | Female | spayed | 2 months and 20 days old | 25 lbs

Sorry another question about Mia. I know that she is still very young and I do not need to worry about this now but I figured I would gain some knowledge on this. Been a long time since I have had a puppy. When do you expect dogs to go into heat? I do not want to get her neutered because I’d love to have corgis running everywhere but I want to be prepared for when that time comes. Any advice helps. Don’t know much about breeding and being in heat.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on March 20th, 2019

Great questions! Dogs can go into heat for the first time anytime after six months. It is never recommend to breed a dog on their first heat because they aren't fully mature emotionally or physically. It's best to breed them on their second or third heat for the first time. Speak to your vet about screening Mia for potential genetic health problems, and whatever dog you want to mate her with should have the same done. This prevents genetic diseases from being passed to the next generation. I hope this helps!

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    Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on March 8th, 2019

    Her heat cycle will last between 2 and 4 weeks. It will always be this long although in older intact females, certain stages of heat can last longer than normal. If she is not be used as breeding stock or shown in competition, then spaying her as soon as possible would be strongly recommended.

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